Placarding: Table 1, Table 2, the 1,001-Pound Rule, and DANGEROUS
Placarding is the vehicle-level warning domain. The exam tests the Table 1 and Table 2 rules, the 1,001-pound threshold, the DANGEROUS placard, placement, and when placards must be removed.
Table 1 and Table 2
The placarding tables divide hazards into two groups. Table 1 materials require placards in any quantity. Examples include Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives, Division 2.3 poison gas, Division 4.3 dangerous when wet, and Division 6.1 Packing Group I inhalation hazards. Table 2 covers the remaining hazard classes. For Table 2, placards are required when the aggregate gross weight of all Table 2 materials in the vehicle is 1,001 pounds or more. Bulk packages require placards regardless of weight.
The DANGEROUS placard
For a mixed load of two or more Table 2 materials at or above 1,001 pounds, the DANGEROUS placard may be used instead of the individual Table 2 placards. It may not be used for a Table 1 material, and it does not excuse the specific placard for a Table 1 hazard. If the load contains only one Table 2 material, use that material's specific placard.
Placement and removal
Placards must be at least 250 mm (9.84 in) square, square-on-point, and displayed on both sides and both ends of the vehicle or bulk package. They must be readable, unobstructed, and not covered by mud, snow, or cargo. Placards must be removed when the vehicle no longer contains the hazardous material or is used for non-hazardous cargo; old placards must not remain on an empty or cleaned vehicle.
Worked example
A truck carries 700 lb of "UN1263, Paint, 3, PG II" and 400 lb of "UN1789, Hydrochloric acid, 8, PG II." The aggregate Table 2 weight is 1,100 lb, which is over 1,001 lb, so the vehicle must be placarded. Because these are two Table 2 materials, the driver may display FLAMMABLE and CORROSIVE placards, or may use the DANGEROUS placard instead. If the load also included a Table 1 material, DANGEROUS could not replace that material's specific placard.
Traps
Do not apply the 1,001-pound rule to Table 1; any quantity requires a placard. Do not forget that bulk packages need placards even below 1,001 pounds. Do not use DANGEROUS for a single material or for a Table 1 hazard. Do not placard only one side, and do not leave placards on after unloading.